Book+Blog

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__Mockingjay__, by Suzanne Collins

The final book of The Hunger Games did not fail to amaze me. I was captured by the story and never could have dreamed up on my own all of the twists and turns that take place. Katniss has become the symbol of the revolution and must decide how much she will participate. I can't tell too much without spoiling it for you, but I will warn you it gets pretty graphic and violent. I still strongly recommend that you read all of the trilogy - it's intense, captivating and well worth your time.

__Before I Fall__, by Lauren Oliver

What would you do differently if you had the chance to relive the last day of your life? Samantha dies in a car crash on her way home from a party one Friday night. She wakes up the next morning to find that it's Friday again. She relives her last day seven times, each day making small changes, different choices and hoping for a different outcome. In the process Samantha learns a great deal about herself, her family and her best friends.

__The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner__, by Stephenie Meyer

Bree Tanner was introduced to Twilight fans in the third novel, Eclipse. She was created as part of the army of newborn vampires that Victoria hoped would help her finish the Cullens. Her presence in Eclipse is brief, but meaningful, so Stephenie Meyer decided to write a novella about her short second life when she became a newborn vampire. Bree cannot trust anyone because newborn vampires are vicious and will turn against each other in an instant. She, along with numerous other newborns, is being trained by Riley under false pretenses. If you have read Eclipse, you know how it will all end. This book gives you new insight into the extremely painful hunger newborn vampires experience. It's a quick read and defnitely worthwhile if you're a Twilight fan.

__The Market__, by J.M. Steele

Kate Winthrop is a pretty average high school senior. During her last spring at Millbank High School, she stumbles across the Millbank Social Stock Market, a popularity scale that ranks all of the girls in every senior class. She is astonished to find that she ranks 71 of 140. Sure, she wasn't expecting to be at the very top of the list, but 71?? Kate, along with her two best friends, take on a mission to transform Kate with a new haircut and wardrobe so that she can climb her way up in the Market. In the process, Kate begins to wonder if she really wants to be part of the "in" crowd. And is she risking losing her best friends in the process?

__The Hunger Games__, by Suzanne Collins

Wow! What an incredible ride! This book was fantastic - I could hardly put it down. While the idea of kids representing different districts to fight to the death is despicable, the story unfolds in such dramatic, fascinating way that you will be caught up in the story and find yourself caring about the characters. I highly recommend this book.

__Liar__, by Justine Larbalestier

Liar turned out to be quite different from what I expected when I first started to read it. Micah is a compulsive liar who is considered a freak by her classmates. She is determined to begin telling the truth after she finds out her boyfriend was murdered. About halfway through, the book takes a very surprising twist. I can't tell you more or I'll ruin it for you.

__After__, by Amy Efaw

What happens when a straight-A student makes a huge mistake? Devon Davenport's home life is far from ideal, but she has still managed to keep an impeccable school record and excel on her school's soccer team. When she is linked to an abandoned baby found near her apartment, she suddenly finds herself accused of attempted murder. __After__ explores many difficult questions about teenage pregnancy and forces readers to consider some very serious issues. Readers will find themselves contemplating the consequences of their actions as they become engulfed in Devon's story. I definitely recommend this book.

__The Lovely Bones__, by Alice Sebold

I had heard of __The Lovely Bones__ before, but it was not until the movie was scheduled to come out that I actually read it. It was not quite what I expected, but I did enjoy it. Susie Salmon is a fourteen-year-old girl who is ready to begin her journey into young womanhood. However, her journey is cut tragically short when she becomes the victim of sexual assalt and murder. She enters her own special heaven and looks on as her family and friends deal with her death. This book gives a lot of insight into the different ways people react to tragedy and death. If it's not already too late, I recommend that you read it before you see the movie.

__Are these my basoomas I see before me__? by Louise Rennison

I am a huge fan of Georgia Nicolson. She is hilarious and //vair amussant//. I have read her whole series and I must admit that I was not just real excited about the last book, __Stop in the Name of Pants__. It took me a bit longer to get into that one and, well, I was starting to get a little bored with it. However, when I read __Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? Final Confessions of Georgia Nicolson__ I was thrilled! This book is laugh-out-loud funny and I was extremely pleased with the outcome. As I was reading during my lunch break I caught myself bursting out in laughter several times, and while everyone here already knows I am a little crazy, I did feel a bit funny cracking up all by myself. You have got to read this book. If you have not read the whole series, go back and start from the beginning. It's worth your time. Most of you will not be disappointed. (Okay, I'll admit, some guys may not be as tickled as I was, but give it a try. You'll find yourself laughing out loud if you do.)

__Linger__, by Maggie Stiefvater

If you have not read __Shiver__ yet, stop reading this now and go read it. Don't let me spoil it for you!! __Linger__ picks up where __Shiver__ left off, with Grace wondering whether her attempt to "heal" Sam from being a wolf has worked or has ended his life. Fortunately, Sam is alive and well, but since Beck is not returning to his human form, Sam is left in charge of the pack. Two new pack members and Grace's parents' sudden interest in her relationship with Sam prove to be a challenge for Sam. If you enjoyed __Shiver__, you must read this book. I was a little frustrated with the ending, but I am still looking forward to reading the third book.

__The Poison Apples__, by Lily Archer

Molly, Reena and Alice seem to have nothing in common. When they meet at boarding school, they lead such different lives that it seems they'll never be friends. However, they soon find out they have a very important link in common - evil stepmothers. They unite with the purpose of seeking revenge on their stepmothers. I enjoyed this book. It did not turn out to be what I expected - it seemed like the focus shifted during the book and it started leading elsewhere. However, the characters are believable, "typical" teens dealing with issues that many of us have to (or have had to) deal with.